What are shape notes? They are a special vocal notation that works with solfege to make sight singing easier. Specifically, we will use the seven-note shape note system. We will also explore Kodaly rhythmic syllables in the Shape Notes and Solfege posts.
Solfege remains one of the oldest and most reliable strategies that singing teachers have. Shape notes are newer, but still have been around since the 18th century. However, solfege is at the core of the shape note system, and the two work together for effective, statistically proven sight singing success.
This category includes posts on melodic intonation. Like the Singing in Tune Blog Category, the Shape Notes and Solfege Blog Category has sing-along songs.
In both cases, the sing-along sound tracks create sound models to train the ear. Singing in Tune deals with harmonic intonation while this blog category deals with melodic intonation.
The sing-along songs use synthetic voices rather than actual voices. Research has shown that this will help with the ability to identify and produce absolute pitch information. For more information, read Why Use a Synth Voice Instead of Real Voices.
Harmonic and melodic intonation tune in essentially different ways. Harmonic tuning focuses on the tone color of the harmonies. Conversely, melodic tuning focuses on the distance between melody notes.
The Cornerstone Category article:
More Shape Note Posts:
Sight Singing with Rhythmic Syllables:
Sight Reading Posts:
For a full description see the posts below.
– Geoffrey Keith
© 2022 Geoffrey Keith
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Do you want to sing Eastern European folk melodies and mediaeval chants? Are you puzzled about how the aeolian mode works? Modes have been a feature of music from ancient times to today. Singing Shape Note Solfege Aeolian Melodies lets you explore the exotic sound of the aeolian mode. Estimated reading time 2 minutes.
“How do I switch from singing shaped notes to standard notation?” Because they’re easy to read, shape notes will always be a good choice for struggling readers, and it makes a great introduction to solfege too. However, the limited shape note repertoire means that shape note singers may want to learn to read standard notation as well. Click to learn how to transition from shaped notes to standard notation. Estimated reading time 3 minutes.
Why is it important to sing the dynamics for a piece of music? Dynamics play an important role in notated music, helping bring interest and variety to your songs. If you want help understanding how dynamic signs work, click to answer the question: “Why is it important to define the dynamics to sing a piece of music?” Estimated reading time 3 minutes.
“What purpose do accidentals serve in reading sheet music?” Sharps, flats, and naturals (collectively called accidentals) grew out of a problem that needed to be fixed in the mediaeval music notation. The music theorists of the time slapped their fix onto the preexisting notation system, and that fix is still with us to this day. However, having confused generations of budding musicians, the results of the fix leave a lot to be desired. Click to answer the question, “What purpose do accidentals serve in reading sheet music?” Estimated reading time 3 minutes.
Is singing solfege actually helpful for learning to hear intervals by ear? Sort of. In some contexts, solfege can be useful for hearing how the intervals sound so you can sing in tune. In others, solfege won’t help at all. Click to answer the question, “Is singing solfege helpful for learning to hear intervals by ear?” Estimated reading time 4 minutes.
Do you find sight reading hard to do? Have you ever asked if there is a better way to learn sight singing? Shape notes can really help. Click to answer the question, “Is there a better way to learn sight singing?” Estimated reading time 3 minutes.
Do you want to learn how to sight-sing? Have you ever wondered, “Can I learn sight-singing if I haven’t learned an instrument?” You’ve come to the right place! Read more to find out whether it’s possible to learn sight-singing without having learned an instrument first. Estimated reading time 2 minutes.
Does 12-8 time signature make your eyes cross? Confused about how rhythm syllables work in compound meters? The sing-along soundtrack below will help! Read more to learn about singing rhythm syllables in 12-8 time. Estimated reading time 3 minutes.
Do you want to sing blues, gospel, or even mediaeval melodies? Are you confused about how modes work? Modes have the exotic feel of world music and music from ancient times. “Singing Shape Note Solfege Mixolydian Melodies” helps you discover the sound of the modes. Estimated reading time 4 minutes.
Do you have trouble performing compound meters, such as the 9-8 time signature? The post’s soundtrack will help you get the sound of 9-8 in your ear as you practice along with it. Read more to learn about singing rhythm syllables in 9-8 time. Estimated reading time 4 minutes.